Driving the impossible turns on the Val Mara Road
Switzerland, europe
10.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Val Mara Road: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure
Looking for a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Val Mara Road is your answer. This intense 10.5 km (6.52 miles) route hugs the Switzerland-Italy border just south of Lago di Lugano, connecting the Swiss village of Arogno (in Ticino's Lugano district) with the Italian town of San Fedele Intelvi (in Lombardy's Como Province).
Though it's fully paved, don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road turns genuinely savage with six sharp hairpin turns and jaw-dropping gradients that hit 32% in places. You'll be white-knuckling through some serious elevation changes, especially on those steep ramps. It's called Stráda da Valmára on the Swiss side and Strada Provinciale 13 once you cross into Italy, and you'll definitely notice when you switch countries.
Fair warning: the road narrows considerably in sections, so you'll need to stay sharp and focused. Also, longer vehicles aren't permitted here, so RVs and big rigs need not apply.
If you're an experienced mountain driver seeking an unforgettable challenge with stunning alpine scenery, Val Mara Road should be on your bucket list. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast.
Where is it?
Driving the impossible turns on the Val Mara Road is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8798, 8.3239
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8798, 8.3239
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